Dear family, brethren, and friends,

On February 13, I woke up before 5:30 AM to go to the Tuguegarao airport and fly to Manila, wait about 3 hours, then catch a plane with James Paet to General Santos City in the Province of South Cotabato in southern Mindanao.  This city is considered “The Tuna Capital of the World.”  Jack Jaco from Victorias City on Negros had arrived ahead of us.  It was 3:30 PM when I got checked into my hotel.  The last several days left me exhausted in body, voice, and mind, so I took an hour-long nap before taking my daily walk to rebuild my stamina.  Fortunately, Saturday was already scheduled as a day for rest and study. 

I was not prepared for the weather to be 89 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity in the winter, but we are only 400 miles north of the equator.  I am just thankful we are not immersed in the summer heat!  The stark change of atmosphere gave James Paet and me miserable head colds, but we are surviving by the grace of God.

The first appointment on the Lord’s Day was with the Balite church of Christ here in General Santos City where Delfin Alas labors in the gospel.  He reminded me that in 2007 I came with several other mature Filipino preachers to discuss an issue which had disrupted the church for several years.  The local preacher had decided that the word “supper” in the Lord’s Supper required it be eaten in the evening.  That schedule prevented some members from being able to share in the Lord’s Supper.  We explained to him that the Greek word translated “supper” refers to an important meal of the day, which could be eaten in the evening but was not exclusive to the evening.  He finally understood and the issue died.  

The church today is united, vibrant, and growing with many young people.  About 60 souls filled the meeting house to hear lessons on “Come Out of Her, My People” (Rev. 18:4) and “Modest Dress through the Ages” (1 Tim. 2:8-10).  The brethren seemed to understand English very well and expressed great appreciation for these studies.

Brother Delfin asked if I would be able to preach in Tagalog next time I come, and I said, “Yes, if I can get the gift of tongues.”  There are over 70 dialects in this nation, so the gift of tongues would be a handy gift to have over here!

This afternoon Salvador Parbo drove us out into the countryside to the Silway 8 church of Christ in Polomolok, a new congregation he planted in November.  They have just moved into a new meeting house, which overflowed with at least 80 souls today.  The sermon entitled “Back to the Bible” (Jn. 17:17-21) was translated in the local dialect line by line by a young man as I preached.  When we sang the song inviting sinners to receive Christ and salvation by being baptized, a man and a woman stepped forward to obey the gospel of Christ.  Heaven and earth praise God!

The lectureship planned for February 16-19 in General Santos City on the home and family life began today, Monday, in a function room in my hotel.  Most of the attendees are from rural areas in this region, but some have come great distances from other provinces to join the classes.  We appreciate Salvador Parbo and Jolly Julom making the arrangements for such a good turnout of 68 souls.  Jonathan Carino from Cebu City on the Island of Cebu and Jack Jaco from Victorias City on Negros are helping teach these lessons.  Our guide is “Family Life: A Biblical Perspective” by L.A. Stauffer.

I will try to make some time for open forums, but for the most part I am asking the audience to offer their thoughts in response to questions about how to implement what we are studying.  After teaching each of my four lessons today, I asked the following questions: 1. What can we do to build respect for authority in the home?  2. How can we cultivate companionship?  3. How can I convince my wife that I want to lead in love?  4. What are some things that can help a wife bring her spirit into willing submission to her husband?  We had good participation and fruitful discussions.

Our Tuesday classes went well with good attention and participation.  Jonathan, Jack, and I continued presenting lessons from the workbook on family life.  There were several challenges and adventures today including periodic brownouts which interrupted the flow of our lessons being presenting with PowerPoint charts.  I just continued teaching in the darkness and everyone continued paying attention.  Filipinos are accustomed to such challenges.

During lunch, I come to my room and eat a little fruit but mostly use the time to rest.  I have been fighting a head cold which, for some reason, has significantly drained my energy, but the rest perks me up to teach again.  When I came to the room today during the lunch break, 5-6 policemen were at the door of the room directly opposite to my room.  They kept saying, “Sir, we need you to open your door.”  I slid behind them into my room, but I could hear the ongoing commotion. Finally, I could hear them strike the door with great force and break it open.  

As it turned out, a man from Denmark was in the room under the influence of illegal drugs.  I had noticed him each morning at breakfast in the same dirty shirt and had wondered what was going on in his life.  The accommodations here are nice and roomy, but this man tore most of the ceiling down, pulled light fixtures out of the walls, and generally trashed the room – with estimated damages about $2,000.  I am told when the police entered, the man was lying on the bed in a relaxed posture as if nothing was wrong. 

Salvador Parbo stayed at my door until the man was removed to be sure the action did not spill over in this direction.  Filipino brethren are always very protective and we love and appreciate the care they constantly show, realizing we are foreigners in their land.

Of course, similar events occur in every nation including the U.S., but it just reminds me to be thankful for all the saints who are praying for us as we do this work.

During the open forum, someone asked in view of my teaching on modest dress if young ladies should participate in beauty contests.  No, making such a display of the female body is not appropriate and Christians should not let their daughters enter such contests.  Young people might participate in talent contests where dress in not an issue.  

There are thousands of Christians in the mountains of southern Mindanao, many in very remote places served by our brethren.  One of the questions was whether God accepts the marriages of these people where there are no government representatives or records.  Yes, God joins them in marriage when they take their vow, not the government (Matt. 19:6).  When they come down from the mountains into regions maintained by the government, they should then comply with whatever laws are applicable (Rom. 13:1-7).  It does not mean they were living in fornication because of the absence of government officials.  All of the preachers I know gladly help them comply with government regulations.

A similar question was asked about the custom of making a dowry payment.  Some tribal groups in the mountains where our brethren preach still practice the dowry in marriage.  Must this payment be made in order for the marriage to be valid?  No, that is a matter of human custom, not divine revelation.  That being said, if brethren live where this is the custom, they should comply to the best of their ability so that their marriage will be respected in the community.  But God does not consider the dowry before joining two people in marriage when they take their vows. 

Unfortunately, when we dismissed, Salvador Parbo found that some criminal had stolen valuable items from his truck during the day.  This is surprising because parking is in front of the hotel, not at the back.  This was done in broad daylight.

We press on in teaching God’s Word with thanksgiving for all who make these classes possible.  Most attendees are preachers who will spread what they learn far and wide.  Those of you who pray for us and who donate funds are truly helping to advance the cause of Christ in the Philippine Islands! 

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook